The U.S. ambassador to Canada reportedly launched a profanity-laced outburst at Ontario’s trade representative during an event in Ottawa, as per witnesses. The incident occurred at the Canadian American Business Council’s gathering at the National Gallery of Canada, where high-profile attendees, including Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Dominic LeBlanc, discussed the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Witnesses disclosed that Ambassador Pete Hoekstra expressed anger over Ontario’s anti-tariff ad aired in the U.S., which displeased President Donald Trump. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, highlighted that following the ad campaign featuring Ronald Reagan’s voice, Trump halted trade discussions with Canada and threatened additional tariffs without providing specifics on their implementation.
The event, usually featuring both U.S. and Canadian ambassadors, only showcased prepared remarks by Canada’s Ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman this year. Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for reconciliation between Hoekstra and Paterson, emphasizing the need for an apology. The U.S. Embassy declined to comment on the incident reported by The Toronto Sun and The Globe and Mail.
Efforts to resolve U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods have hit a deadlock after prolonged negotiations. Initially seeking broad trade and security agreements for tariff relief, Ottawa has adjusted its goals to focus on reducing sector-specific tariffs. Hoekstra’s past comments on the Canada-U.S. relationship, including labeling Canadian responses to tariffs as “nasty” and interpreting Trump’s remarks about Canada as endearing, have drawn attention.
During a recent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump acknowledged Hoekstra’s performance, questioning his effectiveness and hinting at a potential replacement if necessary. The ambassador’s controversial statements and actions have sparked discussions on the intricacies of the Canada-U.S. trade dynamics.